Increases penalties for unauthorized display or use
of emergency warning lights.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

As introduced.

An
Act concerning penalties for
unauthorized display or use of emergency warning lights and amending P.L.1977,
c.223.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. Section 7 of P.L.1977, c.223
(C.39:3-54.13) is amended to read as follows:

7. Any person authorized to
operate emergency warning lights pursuant to P.L.1977, c.223 (C.39:3-54.7 et
seq.) who willfully operates such emergency warning lights in violation of the
provisions of P.L.1977, c.223 (C.39:3-54.7 et seq.) shall be liable to a
penalty of not more than [$100]$200 and the
person's privilege to operate such emergency warning lights may be suspended or
revoked by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
A person who is not authorized to operate emergency warning lights who
willfully operates such emergency warning lights shall be liable to a penalty
of not more than [$200]$400.

(cf: P.L.2005, c.218, s.6)

2. This act shall take
effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This bill would double the
penalties for unauthorized use of emergency warning lights. The fines under
this bill for unauthorized use of emergency warning lights shall range between
$200 and $400. Under current law, P.L.1977, c.223 (C.39:3-54.7 et seq.),
members of the following organizations may operate flashing blue emergency
lights on a motor vehicle while answering an emergency call:

(1) A volunteer fire company
or a volunteer first aid or rescue squad recognized by and rendering service in
any municipality; or

(2) Any county or municipal
volunteer Office of Emergency Management recognized by and rendering service in
any county or municipality, provided the member's official duties include
responding to a fire or emergency call.

Current law establishes that
the penalty for unauthorized use of emergency lights is a $100 fine and
suspension or revocation of the privilege to operate emergency lights, and fine
of up to $200 for unauthorized persons who use emergency lights. This bill
would double these penalties to fines of up to $200 and $400 respectively.